From Darkness to Peace, From Heaven to Hell
Mr. Oga brought the two children home, and the three of them sat in the living room. Mr. Oga went to get water for the children, noticing how drenched in sweat they were from running too hard, coupled with their fear and anxiety.
Oga: Here, drink slowly, so you don't choke.
Ami and Amai raised their glasses, taking sip after sip. They seemed very thirsty and exhausted.
Ami: Haaaa... I'm so tired.
Oga: Amai, tell me what happened. Why were you both running in such a panic?
Amai: We were...
Before Amai could finish, Ami interrupted and began explaining to him.
After hearing the story, Mr. Oga appeared deep in thought.
Oga: You two should go upstairs and rest. I'll prepare lunch.
The children obediently went to their rooms to rest. At lunchtime, Mr. Oga called them down to eat. After they finished, he told them to get ready because he would take them to see Ms. Leaffa to discuss the incident.
Oga: Are you both full? If so, go upstairs and prepare. I'll take you to see Ms. Leaffa to talk about what happened.
After a while, Mr. Oga took the two children to Ms. Leaffa's place. Once there, he recounted what he had learned from the children.
Leaffa: I see. It could be someone from Amai's family, or it might be the person who caused the boy to flee so desperately that he ended up near the rift.
Oga: Is there any way we can identify this person?
Leaffa: From the description, they sound suspicious—unlikely to be someone trustworthy.
Oga: Then is it possible that they were the reason Amai ended up here? Amai, do you remember anything about that man?
Amai: I don't, but he felt very dangerous. Just seeing him made me afraid.
Leaffa: I have a thought. It's possible Amai was kidnapped by that man or his accomplices but managed to escape somehow. When they realized, they chased him and found the rift.
Oga: That's plausible. Judging by the boy's clothes when Ami found him—they were high-quality, though torn in places—it's likely he comes from a middle-class or higher family. Being kidnapped is a reasonable assumption.
Leaffa: Amai, when Ami found you, did you notice anything like a necklace, bracelet, ring, or similar items nearby?
Amai: I don't know; I didn't notice.
Oga: Ami, what about you?
Ami: I couldn't see clearly. It was very deep there, but something shiny was underneath.
Leaffa: That could be an item of Amai's.
Oga: Can we go there to look?
Leaffa: No. He's already been there, and he might have seen something. Moreover, he saw these two children, so we can't rule out the possibility he's lurking on the forest's edge. He might even have accomplices. Let's wait a few days before we go there.
Oga: Alright, we'll wait. We'll head back now.
Leaffa: Wait!
Oga: Is there something else?
Leaffa: I'd like to teach these kids some magic for self-defense.
Oga: Teach them magic?
Ami: Magic? Really? That's amazing! (Ami was thrilled.)
Amai: Will you really teach us?
Leaffa: Yes. Do you have any objections, Oga?
Oga: It's a good idea. At least they'll have something to help them escape in emergencies. If something unfortunate happens when we visit the rift in a few days, we'll be better prepared.
Leaffa: Then let's begin by testing their capabilities. They're old enough to tap into their inner energy now.
Amai: What's that, Ms. Leaffa?
Leaffa: Let me explain: At a certain age, all demi-humans, humans, beastfolk, creatures, and monsters in this world can harness the energy within their bodies, called Mana. Depending on the species, the age to access Mana varies, and each species has its own basic amount. The more Mana someone has, the stronger and more frequent their spells can be. If you use large amounts of Mana often, the Mana pool in your body will grow. Do you understand?
Amai seemed to understand, but Ami looked a little confused.
Leaffa: When we practice, you'll get the hang of it. Now, let's determine your elemental affinity. Ami, step forward.
Ami obeyed, walking toward Leaffa.
Ami: Elements are things like earth, plants, or stuff like that, right, Ms. Leaffa?
Leaffa: That's correct, Ami. Now close your eyes and focus.
Ami closed her eyes while Amai and Mr. Oga watched. Leaffa held her hand tightly, and gentle winds swayed the grass around them.
Leaffa: Tell me what color you see, Ami.
Ami nodded, signaling she understood.
In her mind, Ami saw nothing at first. Then, after a moment, she saw a ray of light.
Leaffa: Follow that light, Ami. It will guide you to where you need to be. There, you will see your elemental color.
Focusing on the light, Ami moved toward it. Suddenly, the light grew, enveloping her vision entirely. She found herself on a beach with white sands and a deep blue ocean. The wind and waves created a harmonious, lively symphony.
Leaffa: What do you see, Ami?
Ami: I see golden sands, a blue ocean, and a purple sky. It's bright and cool there.
Leaffa: Golden sands, blue waters, and a purple sky. This child is truly gifted, like her parents. (thinking)
Oga: Golden sands, a blue ocean, and… a purple sky… This child, she truly is…
Ami: What does it mean, Ms. Leaffa?
Oga: Your elemental affinity is wind and water, Ami. (he answered hastily)
Leaffa: That's correct, Ami. (She briefly glanced at Mr. Oga before agreeing.)
Ami: Really? That's amazing! Does that mean I can ride the wind and walk on water?
Leaffa: You could say that.
Ami: The scenery was so beautiful. Can I see it again?
Leaffa: I'm afraid not, Ami.
Ami: Why not?
Leaffa: You'll understand when you grow older. Now it's Amai's turn.
Amai stepped forward as instructed.
Leaffa: I wonder what his element will be like. (thinking)
Leaffa repeated the process she had done with Ami.
Leaffa: What light do you see, Amai?
Amai: Everything around me is filled with light.
Suddenly, Amai started losing his balance.
Leaffa: What's wrong, Amai?
Amai: There's no ground to stand on. I'm floating.
Leaffa: Focus. It's alright; I'm holding your hand. Stay calm. Breathe in deeply, then exhale.
Ami: What's happening, Grandpa? He looks really scared.
Oga: I don't know. I've never seen this before.
In Amai's mind, everything was bathed in golden light, seemingly originating from one place above him. He looked up and saw a dazzling white light emitting a brilliant radiance. Strangely, he felt no discomfort staring directly at it.
Leaffa: How are you, Amai? Are you calm now?
Amai: Yes, I can balance myself now.
Leaffa: Good. Try moving closer to the brightest light.
Amai: Alright.
As Amai reached toward the light, it felt like something was pulling him in. Soon, he found himself surrounded by complete darkness.
Amai: I can't see anything.
Leaffa: You can't? Try moving forward a little more.
Leaffa: If he can't see anything, it means he has no elemental affinity at all. (thinking)
Amai: I still can't see anything. Everything is black.
Leaffa: Alright, stop looking. Close your eyes now. Open them when you're ready.
Amai opened his eyes.
Oga: What does this mean, Ms. Leaffa?
Leaffa: It seems the boy doesn't have any elemental affinity.
Oga: But what about the light-filled space earlier? What was that?
Leaffa: I don't know. That's all for today. Take the children home to rest.
Oga: Alright.
Leaffa: Amai, there's no need to be upset. Having no elemental affinity just means you won't have a natural talent for certain types of magic, but it doesn't mean you can't use magic at all. Do you understand?
Amai: I understand. (He nodded sadly.)
Leaffa: Don't be sad, Amai. I'll protect you if anyone bullies you.
Amai: Thanks, Ami.
Oga: Alright, let's go home.
The three of them left Leaffa's residence. The two children walked behind Mr. Oga as he led them home.
Leaffa: Is it because I lack the ability, or is it that such a thing simply cannot be seen? Sigh…